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Keywords = bioenergetics remodeling

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20 pages, 844 KB  
Review
Interplay of Epigenetic Reprogramming, Mitochondrial Metabolism, and Dopamine Signalling Pathways Uncovers Metabolic Vulnerabilities in Diffuse Midline Glioma
by Han Shen, Yizhou Huang, Kristina M. Cook and Eric Hau
Cancers 2026, 18(14), 2186; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18142186 - 8 Jul 2026
Viewed by 285
Abstract
Diffuse midline glioma (DMG) is one of the most aggressive paediatric brain tumours and remains almost universally fatal despite decades of research. The defining molecular feature of approximately 80% of DMG tumours is H3K27M, which disrupts PRC2 activity and profoundly remodels chromatin architecture. [...] Read more.
Diffuse midline glioma (DMG) is one of the most aggressive paediatric brain tumours and remains almost universally fatal despite decades of research. The defining molecular feature of approximately 80% of DMG tumours is H3K27M, which disrupts PRC2 activity and profoundly remodels chromatin architecture. Increasing evidence suggests that this epigenetic alteration not only rewires transcriptional programs but also influences tumour metabolism. Several studies indicate that H3K27M-mutant tumours exhibit altered mitochondrial metabolism, oxidative phosphorylation activity, redox regulation, and cellular stress responses, although the extent of oxidative phosphorylation dependence varies between models, tumour subtypes, and cellular states. In parallel, dopaminergic signalling has been implicated in cancer stem cell maintenance, metabolic regulation, and tumour survival across multiple malignancies, including glioma. The imipridone compound ONC201/dordaviprone, initially described as a dopamine receptor D2/3 antagonist and subsequently characterised as a mitochondrial ClpP agonist, demonstrates clinical activity in H3K27M-mutant DMG and induces mitochondrial stress responses. In this review, we examine emerging connections between epigenetic dysregulation, mitochondrial metabolism, and dopamine signalling in DMG. We propose that H3K27M-driven epigenetic reprogramming may impose metabolic constraints that increase tumour reliance on mitochondrial bioenergetics and stress-buffering pathways. Within this context, dopamine signalling may function as a metabolic rheostat that contributes to mitochondrial homeostasis; however, this remains a hypothesis requiring direct experimental validation in DMG models. Pharmacologic disruption of this axis may destabilise tumour metabolism and expose therapeutically exploitable vulnerabilities in this otherwise treatment-resistant disease. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Cancer Biology)
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32 pages, 21058 KB  
Article
Elevated BACH1 Contributes to Mitochondrial Succinylome Remodeling and Trophoblast Bioenergetic Dysfunction in Preeclampsia
by Jiacheng Xu, Lujia Sun, Miaomiao Chen, Bingdi Chao, Jie He, Hongli Liu, Dongni Huang, Jie Wang, Lumei Xie, Philip N. Baker, Yubin Ding, Hongbo Qi and Xin Luo
Antioxidants 2026, 15(7), 835; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox15070835 - 1 Jul 2026
Viewed by 348
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is a major pregnancy complication characterized by placental dysfunction and metabolic disturbances. Although mitochondrial abnormalities are frequently observed in PE, the upstream regulatory mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Here, we investigated the potential involvement of BACH1 in trophoblast dysfunction in PE and [...] Read more.
Preeclampsia (PE) is a major pregnancy complication characterized by placental dysfunction and metabolic disturbances. Although mitochondrial abnormalities are frequently observed in PE, the upstream regulatory mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Here, we investigated the potential involvement of BACH1 in trophoblast dysfunction in PE and explored its association with mitochondrial metabolic alterations and protein succinylation. BACH1 expression was assessed in placental tissues and plasma samples from patients with PE, its functional effects were examined in trophoblast cell lines and BACH1 overexpression mouse models, and metabolic, bioenergetic, and succinylation-related alterations were evaluated using multi-omics and functional analyses. BACH1 expression was elevated in PE placentas and correlated with disease severity. In trophoblasts, BACH1 overexpression impaired proliferation, invasion, and trophoblast-mediated angiogenesis and was accompanied by mitochondrial and metabolic abnormalities, while quantitative succinylproteomic analysis revealed widespread alterations in mitochondrial protein succinylation. In vivo, BACH1 overexpression induced key PE-like features, including hypertension, fetal growth restriction, and placental abnormalities, and glycine supplementation partially rescued the trophoblast dysfunction associated with BACH1 overexpression. Together, evidence from clinical samples and experimental models suggests that BACH1 is associated with mitochondrial succinylation remodeling and trophoblast dysfunction in PE, supporting the hypothesis that BACH1-associated metabolic dysregulation and mitochondrial succinylation remodeling may contribute to PE pathogenesis. Further studies are required to establish the causal relevance and clinical significance of these mechanisms in human PE. Full article
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30 pages, 1256 KB  
Review
Mitochondrial Quality Control in Age-Related Diseases: From Molecular Architecture to Precision Therapeutics
by Jingmin Che, Ye Sun, Fang Wang, Qing Feng, Cuixiang Xu and Xuhui Li
Antioxidants 2026, 15(7), 830; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox15070830 - 30 Jun 2026
Viewed by 280
Abstract
Background: Mitochondria are the primary organelles that regulate cellular bioenergetic metabolism and maintain homeostasis, providing essential structural support for optimal cell survival. Nonetheless, advancing age leads to cumulative damage to mitochondrial structure and functional integrity, which is a defining characteristic of biological aging [...] Read more.
Background: Mitochondria are the primary organelles that regulate cellular bioenergetic metabolism and maintain homeostasis, providing essential structural support for optimal cell survival. Nonetheless, advancing age leads to cumulative damage to mitochondrial structure and functional integrity, which is a defining characteristic of biological aging and is closely linked to the emergence and progression of numerous age-related diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic disorders. Scope of review: This article offers a thorough summary and review of mitochondrial quality control (MQC), emphasizing numerous critical processes, including mitochondrial biosynthesis, dynamic remodeling (fusion and fission), and mitophagy. We thoroughly elucidate the molecular pathways that regulate MQC and demonstrate how age-related dysregulation precipitates cellular senescence, highlighting the transition from physiological maintenance to pathological malfunction, which ultimately culminates in cellular aging. Conclusions and implications: This study systematically elaborates the pathophysiological mechanisms in the field, comprehensively evaluates the clinical translational potential of targeting the MQC pathway, highlights the key objectives of “restoring mitochondrial plasticity and removing dysfunctional mitochondria”, and explores novel intervention strategies. The restoration of normal mitochondrial function in cells throughout aging is a very promising path for precision medicine therapeutics with great translational potential, according to recent state-of-the-art research. The development of novel therapeutic approaches to improve functional healthy mitochondria can effectively delay aging and reduce the rising global burden of age-related diseases. Full article
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19 pages, 1184 KB  
Review
Bioenergetics-Driven Extracellular Vesicle Therapies for Heart Failure: From Preclinical Insights to Regenerative Translation
by Dhienda C. Shahannaz and Tadahisa Sugiura
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(13), 5849; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27135849 - 29 Jun 2026
Viewed by 179
Abstract
Heart failure (HF) is fundamentally a disease of energetic insufficiency, in which impaired mitochondrial efficiency, maladaptive metabolic remodeling, and disrupted intercellular signaling converge at the organ level to limit cardiac performance. Despite advances in pharmacologic and device-based therapies, current treatment paradigms largely modulate [...] Read more.
Heart failure (HF) is fundamentally a disease of energetic insufficiency, in which impaired mitochondrial efficiency, maladaptive metabolic remodeling, and disrupted intercellular signaling converge at the organ level to limit cardiac performance. Despite advances in pharmacologic and device-based therapies, current treatment paradigms largely modulate hemodynamics or neurohormonal pathways rather than directly restoring myocardial bioenergetic capacity. Emerging evidence positions extracellular vesicles (EVs) as endogenous regulators of cardiac energy homeostasis, capable of orchestrating coordinated metabolic and mitochondrial adaptations across cardiac and non-cardiac cell populations. This review advances a system-level framework in which EVs are conceptualized as bioenergetic therapeutics, i.e., active biological agents that reprogram cellular energy utilization, substrate flexibility, and mitochondrial efficiency, rather than passive carriers of isolated molecular cargo. We synthesize preclinical evidence demonstrating EV-mediated modulation of oxidative phosphorylation, glycolytic balance, redox signaling, and mitochondrial dynamics, and examine how these effects scale from cellular and small-animal models to clinically relevant heart failure phenotypes. Importantly, we highlight organ-level integration, wherein EV signaling interfaces with vascular, immune, and metabolic networks to reshape myocardial energetic demand and supply. By bridging mechanistic insights with translational considerations, this review addresses the central question of how EV-driven bioenergetic reprogramming can be deployed within contemporary HF treatment paradigms. We propose EV-based strategies as complementary or synergistic interventions capable of restoring energetic resilience, reframing heart failure therapy beyond structural repair toward systemic metabolic renewal. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Heart Disease)
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18 pages, 3226 KB  
Article
Impaired Renal Mitochondria and Bioenergetics During Obesity-Associated NAFLD
by Amod Sharma, Reza Hakkak, Shannon Rose, Neriman Gokden and Nirmala Parajuli
Nutrients 2026, 18(13), 2061; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18132061 - 24 Jun 2026
Viewed by 406
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Obesity-associated non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) drives systemic metabolic stress and accelerates chronic kidney disease, yet the mechanistic links remain unclear. Mitochondrial dysfunction has emerged as a central mediator of obesity-induced organ injury. Here, we investigated renal mitochondrial remodeling in a rat [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Obesity-associated non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) drives systemic metabolic stress and accelerates chronic kidney disease, yet the mechanistic links remain unclear. Mitochondrial dysfunction has emerged as a central mediator of obesity-induced organ injury. Here, we investigated renal mitochondrial remodeling in a rat model of obesity-associated NAFLD (Ob-NAFLD) and examined the effects of metformin. Methods: Female Zucker rats (obese fa/fa and lean Fa/Fa) were fed an AIN-93G diet for eight weeks, followed by 10 weeks of metformin treatment in designated groups. Kidney tissues were analyzed using biochemical assays, immunoblotting, blue native PAGE, in-gel activity assays, and histological evaluation. Results: In Ob-NAFLD rats, renal ATP levels were elevated despite reduced electron transport chain (ETC) Complex III and increased Complex V expression, reflecting compensatory ATP synthase hyperactivity uncoupled from efficient oxidative phosphorylation. Mitochondrial dynamics were disrupted such that inhibitory phosphorylation of DRP1 was reduced, promoting fission, and total OPA1 expression was decreased with a shift in short-to-long isoform balance, indicating impaired fusion and cristae remodeling. Notably, ATPase inhibitory factor 1 (IF1), a checkpoint that limits ATP synthase overdrive, remained stably expressed, suggesting an adaptive ceiling or failed protective control under chronic metabolic stress. Metformin partially alleviated bioenergetic stress by lowering ATP and modestly restoring Complex III, yet ETC imbalance and structural remodeling persisted, revealing the limitations of metabolic modulation alone. Conclusions: These findings position entrenched mitochondrial dysregulation as a mechanistic bridge linking obesity-driven liver disease to kidney injury. Therapeutic strategies combining metabolic interventions with targeted restoration of ETC coordination, mitochondrial dynamics, and regulatory checkpoints such as IF1 may be required to fully restore renal mitochondrial health and prevent the progression of metabolic kidney disease. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Nutrition and Obesity)
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20 pages, 729 KB  
Review
Molecular Mechanisms of Photobiomodulation in Retinal Diseases: Cytochrome c Oxidase, Mitochondrial Bioenergetics and Cytoprotective Signalling
by Rubens Camargo Siqueira
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(13), 5683; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27135683 - 24 Jun 2026
Viewed by 257
Abstract
Photobiomodulation (PBM) is a non-invasive therapeutic strategy that uses red and near-infrared (NIR) light in the 590–950 nm range to modulate the cellular and molecular pathways involved in retinal homeostasis. At the molecular level, PBM acts primarily through photon absorption by cytochrome c [...] Read more.
Photobiomodulation (PBM) is a non-invasive therapeutic strategy that uses red and near-infrared (NIR) light in the 590–950 nm range to modulate the cellular and molecular pathways involved in retinal homeostasis. At the molecular level, PBM acts primarily through photon absorption by cytochrome c oxidase (CcO, complex IV of the mitochondrial electron transport chain), whose four metal centres—two copper (CuA and CuB) and two heme groups (heme a and heme a3)—absorb light across approximately 600–1000 nm. Photon capture promotes photodissociation of inhibitory nitric oxide (NO) from the binuclear CuB–heme a3 centre, accelerates electron transfer, restores the proton-motive force and increases ATP synthesis. These primary events trigger a coordinated molecular programme that includes (i) transient mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) bursts that activate the Nrf2/Keap1/ARE axis and upregulate phase II antioxidant enzymes (HO-1, NQO1, GCLC, SOD2, catalase, GPx); (ii) calcium- and cAMP-dependent secondary signalling that converges on PI3K/Akt, MAPK/ERK, AMPK and mTOR pathways; (iii) suppression of NF-κB-driven cytokine production (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) and of NLRP3 inflammasome activation; (iv) downregulation of the HIF-1α/VEGF axis, particularly at 590 nm; (v) anti-apoptotic remodelling of the Bcl-2/Bax ratio with reduced cytochrome c release and caspase-3/9 activation; and (vi) PGC-1α/TFAM/NRF1-driven mitochondrial biogenesis, alongside restoration of fission/fusion homeostasis (Drp1, Mfn1/2, Opa1) and PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy. Wavelength specificity has a defined molecular basis: 590 nm modulates VEGF signalling and RPE pump activity, 660 nm interacts with the CuB centre and enhances O2 binding at CcO, and 850 nm is absorbed by CuA and supports electron entry into complex IV. A second molecular axis is the bidirectional crosstalk between PBM and the circadian system: mitochondrial respiration, ATP turnover and CcO activity oscillate over the 24 h cycle under the control of the BMAL1/CLOCK and PER/CRY core machinery, the NAD+/SIRT1–SIRT3 axis and REV-ERBα. Preliminary preclinical and human observations suggest that NIR-induced bioenergetic and functional gains may be coupled to this rhythm, with greater benefit reported when light is delivered in the morning window (≈08:00–11:00); this time dependence should be regarded as an emerging hypothesis rather than an established clinical principle. The clinical evidence is unevenly developed across indications. It is most robust for non-exudative age-related macular degeneration, where multiwavelength PBM (590/660/850 nm; Valeda Light Delivery System) has shown disease-modifying potential in randomized controlled trials (LIGHTSITE I–III and the LIGHTSITE IIIB extension), with sustained BCVA gains and reduced incidence of geographic atrophy over 24 months and beyond. Evidence for retinitis pigmentosa, central serous chorioretinopathy and, with red-light monotherapy, childhood myopia is at present limited to small or short-term studies and remains preliminary. This narrative review synthesizes the molecular machinery engaged by PBM, integrates clinical findings across retinal diseases and discusses how chronotherapeutic delivery of light, aligned with the molecular clock, may further optimize therapeutic efficacy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Progress in Photobiomodulation Therapy)
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24 pages, 1871 KB  
Review
Targeting Glycolytic Plasticity to Overcome Therapy Resistance in Cancer Stem Cells: Mechanisms and Clinical Perspectives
by Jiaxin Huang, Xinyu Yang, Feiyu Li, Xinyu Li, Hao Wei and Muyao Li
Cells 2026, 15(12), 1107; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells15121107 - 18 Jun 2026
Viewed by 418
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) constitute a resilient tumor subpopulation responsible for multidrug resistance, metastasis, and clinical relapse. A cardinal hallmark of these cells is profound metabolic plasticity. This dynamic defense mechanism facilitates rapid shifts between glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), and alternative nutrient catabolism, [...] Read more.
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) constitute a resilient tumor subpopulation responsible for multidrug resistance, metastasis, and clinical relapse. A cardinal hallmark of these cells is profound metabolic plasticity. This dynamic defense mechanism facilitates rapid shifts between glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), and alternative nutrient catabolism, enabling CSCs to bypass microenvironmental constraints. This review delineates how glycolytic adaptation functions as a primary driver of therapy resistance within the CSC niche. We dissect the regulatory triad controlling these metabolic shifts, which includes rate-limiting enzymes, epigenetic and epitranscriptomic remodeling, and master transcription factors. Glycolytic reprogramming transcends bioenergetics by acting as a metabolic signaling node. It integrates with the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) program, autophagic pathways, and the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) to fortify CSC survival. We appraise emerging therapeutic interventions targeting these metabolic vulnerabilities. Strategies focus on optimizing small-molecule inhibitors, nanotechnology-enabled delivery systems, and immunometabolic combination regimens. This review establishes a conceptual framework for precision interventions aimed at disrupting CSC plasticity, overcoming therapeutic resistance, and preventing tumor recurrence. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Targeting Cancer Stem Cell)
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18 pages, 2554 KB  
Article
Metabolic Remodeling of the Parkinson’s Disease Frontal Cortex Revealed by LC-MS/MS Metabolomics
by Oluwatosin Daramola, Judith Nwaiwu, Odunayo Oluokun, Mojibola Fowowe, Alexandra Lux, Isaac Lopez, Andrew I. Bennett and Yehia Mechref
Biomolecules 2026, 16(6), 866; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom16060866 - 12 Jun 2026
Viewed by 355
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder traditionally defined by dopaminergic neuronal loss and Lewy body pathology; however, increasing evidence indicates that metabolic dysfunction contributes to both motor and non-motor manifestations of disease. While metabolomics studies in PD have largely focused on [...] Read more.
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder traditionally defined by dopaminergic neuronal loss and Lewy body pathology; however, increasing evidence indicates that metabolic dysfunction contributes to both motor and non-motor manifestations of disease. While metabolomics studies in PD have largely focused on peripheral biofluids or subcortical brain regions, metabolic remodeling within cortical regions critical for cognition remains poorly characterized. Here, we applied LC-MS/MS-based untargeted metabolomics to post-mortem frontal cortex tissue from PD and neurologically normal control donors, with statistical models adjusted for age, sex, and post-mortem interval. A total of 893 metabolites were quantified, of which 234 exhibited significant differential abundance following false discovery rate correction. Pathway enrichment and network-based integration revealed coordinated metabolic remodeling characterized by predicted inhibition of β-alanine metabolism and pantothenate-dependent coenzyme A biosynthesis alongside activation of amino acid, vitamin B-dependent, cofactor-related, redox-associated, oxidative stress, and inflammatory pathways. Recurrent alterations in pantothenic acid, β-alanine-related intermediates, arginine- and histidine-derived metabolites, lumichrome, and vitamin B6-associated species may reflect cortical metabolic perturbations associated with mitochondrial bioenergetic vulnerability and oxidative stress. Together, these findings indicate selective metabolic vulnerability in the PD frontal cortex rather than diffuse metabolic collapse. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biomacromolecules: Proteins, Nucleic Acids and Carbohydrates)
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18 pages, 5924 KB  
Review
Bidirectional Feedback Between Metabolic Reprogramming and Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition: From Mechanisms to Therapeutic Interventions
by Yuxin Liu, Mengke Wang, Dan Liu, Hanning Lyu, Deru Zhang and Yang Sun
Molecules 2026, 31(12), 2060; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31122060 - 12 Jun 2026
Viewed by 354
Abstract
Tumor metastasis constitutes a frequent contributor to high mortality rates, with EMT intimately implicated in this disseminative process. Accumulating evidence in recent years indicates that neoplastic cells undergoing EMT frequently exhibit concurrent metabolic reprogramming. Multiple modalities—including glycolysis, mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, lipid metabolism, as [...] Read more.
Tumor metastasis constitutes a frequent contributor to high mortality rates, with EMT intimately implicated in this disseminative process. Accumulating evidence in recent years indicates that neoplastic cells undergoing EMT frequently exhibit concurrent metabolic reprogramming. Multiple modalities—including glycolysis, mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, lipid metabolism, as well as amino acid metabolism—cooperatively supply energy, facilitate membrane remodeling, and sustain redox homeostasis. Specifically, glycolytic flux, oxidative phosphorylation, lipid turnover, and amino acid catabolism/anabolism function in a concerted manner to meet the bioenergetic demands, support biogenesis of cellular membranes, and preserve the intracellular redox equilibrium during phenotypic conversion. Notably, intermediate metabolites can in turn modulate the trajectory of EMT through signal transduction cascades or epigenetic modifications. This review systematically delineates the bidirectional regulatory circuitry interconnecting EMT and metabolic reprogramming; furthermore, it examines the implications of this crosstalk for neoplastic disease progression. Finally, therapeutic strategies targeting the nexus of metabolic reprogramming and EMT are summarized. Full article
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16 pages, 8553 KB  
Article
Dental Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Modulate Mitochondrial and OPG/RANKL Signaling in Obesity-Associated Osteoporosis Under Estrogen-Deficient and Intact Conditions
by Saet-Byul Kim, Chae-Yeon Hong, Won-Jae Lee, Hyeon-Jeong Lee, Chan-Hee Jo, Seo-Yoon Kang, Sanghyeon Park, Yeung Bae Jin, Tae-Sung Hwang, Jaemin Kim, Yong-ho Choe and Sung-Lim Lee
Biomedicines 2026, 14(6), 1320; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines14061320 - 10 Jun 2026
Viewed by 351
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Obesity and menopause are major determinants of skeletal deterioration; however, their combined effects on bone remodeling and associated cellular bioenergetics remain incompletely understood. This study aimed to determine whether obesity induces osteoporotic alterations under both estrogen-replete and estrogen-deficient conditions and to [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Obesity and menopause are major determinants of skeletal deterioration; however, their combined effects on bone remodeling and associated cellular bioenergetics remain incompletely understood. This study aimed to determine whether obesity induces osteoporotic alterations under both estrogen-replete and estrogen-deficient conditions and to evaluate the therapeutic potential of dental tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (D-MSCs). Methods: Female mice were subjected to ovariectomy (OVX) and/or high-fat diet (HFD) feeding for 16 weeks to establish obesity-associated osteoporosis models. D-MSCs were administered intraperitoneally at defined intervals. Body weight and serum leptin levels were measured to assess metabolic status. Femoral tissues were analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR for estrogen receptors (ERα, ERβ), inflammatory markers (Il-1β, Tnf-α), mitochondrial regulators (Pgc1α, Pgc1β), and the OPG/RANKL ratio. Histological analysis was performed to evaluate bone marrow adiposity. Results: HFD significantly increased body weight and serum leptin levels in both intact and OVX mice. Obesity was associated with reduced expression of ERα and ERβ, decreased Pgc1α levels, and a lower OPG/RANKL ratio, accompanied by increased Il-1β, Tnf-α, and Pgc1β expression. D-MSC administration attenuated body weight gain and reduced leptin levels, particularly in OVX mice. In femoral tissue, D-MSC treatment restored estrogen receptor expression, increased Pgc1α, decreased Pgc1β, and normalized the OPG/RANKL ratio. In addition, inflammatory marker expression and bone marrow adiposity were reduced following MSC administration. Conclusions: Obesity induces bone remodeling dysregulation under both intact and estrogen-deficient conditions, characterized by altered estrogen signaling, inflammatory activation, and mitochondrial imbalance. D-MSC administration was associated with partial restoration of these alterations, suggesting a potential role in modulating metabolic and skeletal homeostasis in obesity-associated bone loss. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Gene and Cell Therapy)
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32 pages, 2238 KB  
Review
Metformin as a Metabolic Reprogramming Interface in Host–Pathogen and Bone Microenvironment Crosstalk: A Dual-Target Strategy Against Antimicrobial Resistance and Osteoporotic Bone Loss
by Shakta Mani Satyam, Ebrahim Safaii, Ilmia Shameer, Rashmi Kumari, Sainath Prabhakar, Mohamed Talat Zaky Mahmoud Eltrabishi, Mohamed El-Tanani, Abdul Rehman and Mohamed Tarek Mohamed Wageh Mohamed Abdelfattah
Antibiotics 2026, 15(6), 583; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics15060583 - 8 Jun 2026
Viewed by 427
Abstract
Metabolic dysregulation is increasingly recognized as a central feature linking chronic infection, immune dysfunction, and skeletal deterioration; however, these processes are most often investigated in isolation, limiting the development of integrative mechanistic frameworks. In this review, we propose the Metabolic Reprogramming Interface Model [...] Read more.
Metabolic dysregulation is increasingly recognized as a central feature linking chronic infection, immune dysfunction, and skeletal deterioration; however, these processes are most often investigated in isolation, limiting the development of integrative mechanistic frameworks. In this review, we propose the Metabolic Reprogramming Interface Model (MRIM) as a systems-level, hypothesis-generating construct that conceptualizes metabolism as a shared regulatory axis bridging host–pathogen interactions and bone microenvironment remodeling. Importantly, MRIM is not presented as a unified or experimentally validated disease model, but rather as a structured framework designed to organize and critically evaluate emerging multidisciplinary evidence. At the molecular level, metformin, a widely used metabolic modulator, has been shown to influence mitochondrial bioenergetics, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling, redox balance, and autophagic pathways, all of which are independently implicated in microbial persistence, immune cell function, and skeletal homeostasis. Within MRIM, these observations are integrated to hypothesize that metabolic perturbation may coordinately influence infection dynamics, inflammatory responses, and bone turnover. Nevertheless, most of the supporting evidence remains indirect, arising from in vitro studies, animal models, and observational clinical datasets, thereby limiting causal inference. To address this, the framework explicitly distinguishes between experimentally validated mechanisms, context-dependent biological interactions, and higher-order theoretical integrations. While preliminary findings suggest that metformin may modulate microbial fitness, attenuate excessive inflammation, and influence bone remodeling, these effects appear to be highly context-dependent and have not yet been substantiated in adequately powered prospective clinical trials evaluating combined infectious and skeletal outcomes. This review therefore provides a critical synthesis of current knowledge, highlights key mechanistic and translational uncertainties, and outlines testable hypotheses for future investigation, positioning MRIM as a conceptual scaffold to guide interdisciplinary research rather than a definitive explanatory model. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Advances and Innovations in Anti-Infective Agents Discovery)
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21 pages, 6917 KB  
Article
Statin-Induced Coenzyme Q Deficiency Induces Metabolic Reprogramming in Astrocytes
by Krzysztof Wojcicki, Lukasz Galganski, Adrianna Budzinska, Grzegorz Figura and Wieslawa Jarmuszkiewicz
Antioxidants 2026, 15(6), 725; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox15060725 - 7 Jun 2026
Viewed by 554
Abstract
Statins are commonly used cholesterol-lowering drugs, but their effects on astrocyte oxidative metabolism are poorly understood. To investigate this, rat astrocytes were exposed to 200 nM atorvastatin or simvastatin for 6 days and then assessed for changes in coenzyme Q (CoQ) homeostasis, mitochondrial [...] Read more.
Statins are commonly used cholesterol-lowering drugs, but their effects on astrocyte oxidative metabolism are poorly understood. To investigate this, rat astrocytes were exposed to 200 nM atorvastatin or simvastatin for 6 days and then assessed for changes in coenzyme Q (CoQ) homeostasis, mitochondrial function, and energy metabolism. Both statins comparably decreased cellular CoQ9 and CoQ10 levels (~35%), with greater losses of their reduced antioxidant forms (60–75%). Lower intracellular and mitochondrial levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were accompanied by the upregulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2)-dependent antioxidant pathways (superoxide dismutase 1 and glutathione reductase) and metabolic stress response factors, including hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF1α) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Both statins promoted glycolytic reprogramming, mitochondrial fission, and biogenesis while impairing oxidative phosphorylation, as evidenced by reduced ATP-linked respiration, increased proton leak, and lower ATP levels. These findings suggest that statin-treated astrocytes adapt by prioritizing redox homeostasis over ATP production. CoQ10 supplementation increased cellular CoQ10 levels and restored ATP levels without further decreasing ROS, suggesting that its primary benefit is bioenergetic support, not additional antioxidant protection. Overall, statin-induced CoQ deficiency induces adaptive metabolic remodeling of astrocytes, while CoQ10 supplementation may help maintain energy metabolism under these conditions. Full article
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22 pages, 10780 KB  
Article
Divergent Role of ULK1 to Balance Mitochondrial Homeostasis and Bioenergetics in Ovarian Cancer Spheroids
by Jack D. Webb, Matthew J. Borrelli, Yudith Ramos Valdés and Trevor G. Shepherd
Cancers 2026, 18(11), 1746; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18111746 - 27 May 2026
Viewed by 567
Abstract
Background/objectives: Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is the deadliest gynaecologic malignancy, largely due to late-stage diagnosis and ineffective therapy. EOC commonly spreads through the peritoneal cavity as multicellular spheroids, which are metastatic structures that enhance survival under detachment stress, promote dissemination, and contribute to [...] Read more.
Background/objectives: Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is the deadliest gynaecologic malignancy, largely due to late-stage diagnosis and ineffective therapy. EOC commonly spreads through the peritoneal cavity as multicellular spheroids, which are metastatic structures that enhance survival under detachment stress, promote dissemination, and contribute to therapeutic resistance. We previously showed that ULK1, a serine/threonine kinase classically linked to macroautophagy initiation, supports EOC progression, suggesting non-canonical roles in spheroid biology and pathogenesis. Methods: CRISPR/Cas9 ULK1 knockout (ULK1KO) models were generated in OVCAR8, HEYA8, and ES2 cells. Mitochondrial degradation phenotypes were assessed in spheroids by immunoblotting and fluorescence microscopy. Label-free proteomics with bioinformatic pathway analysis identified ULK1-associated programs in EOC spheroids. Bioenergetic consequences were quantified using Seahorse ATP-Rate assays. Therapeutic interactions were evaluated using multi-dose combination matrices testing the ULK1 inhibitor DCC-3116 with metformin. Results: ULK1 modulated mitochondrial degradation in a cell-line-specific manner, either promoting or protecting against mitochondrial loss through mechanisms that were uncoupled from canonical autophagy machinery. Proteomic and bioinformatic analyses revealed significant alterations in mitochondria-related processes, aligning with emerging ULK1 functions in mitochondrial homeostasis. ULK1 loss broadly reduced OXPHOS complex proteins in EOC spheroids and consistently decreased hexokinase 2 (HK2), indicating coordinated metabolic remodeling. Seahorse profiling mirrored these shifts: OVCAR8 ULK1KO spheroids showed reduced OCR and ATP production, whereas HEYA8 and ES2 ULK1KO spheroids exhibited increased mitochondrial ATP production. Combination matrices showed potential synergy between DCC-3116 and metformin. Conclusions: These data show that ULK1 differentially regulates mitochondrial degradation across EOC spheroid models through potential mechanisms alternative to canonical autophagy machinery, while reshaping spheroid metabolism and revealing potential therapeutic vulnerabilities in advanced EOC. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Cancer Biology)
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39 pages, 3016 KB  
Review
Molecular Mechanisms and Multi-Omics Integration in Heart Failure: From Pathophysiology to Precision Medicine
by Carlo Domenico Maida, Gaetano Pacinella, Mario Daidone, Mariarita Margherita Bona, Stefania Scaglione, Rachele Malfitano, Rosario Norrito, Giuliano Cassataro, Luigi Dell’Ajra, Sergio Ferrantelli, Gabriele Angelo Vassallo and Antonino Tuttolomondo
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(11), 4814; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27114814 - 27 May 2026
Viewed by 672
Abstract
Heart failure (HF) is a complex and heterogeneous clinical syndrome defined by progressive structural, functional, and molecular alterations in the myocardium, representing a significant global health challenge. Beyond haemodynamic compromise, HF arises from intricate interactions among neurohormonal activation, chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial [...] Read more.
Heart failure (HF) is a complex and heterogeneous clinical syndrome defined by progressive structural, functional, and molecular alterations in the myocardium, representing a significant global health challenge. Beyond haemodynamic compromise, HF arises from intricate interactions among neurohormonal activation, chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, impaired calcium handling, and extracellular matrix remodelling. These processes drive maladaptive cardiac remodelling and progressive functional decline across multiple HF phenotypes, including HF with reduced (HFrEF), mildly reduced (HFmrEF), and preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Recent advances in molecular biology have highlighted the critical roles of genomic, epigenetic, and transcriptomic mechanisms in the progression of HF. DNA methylation, histone modifications, chromatin remodelling, and non-coding RNAs regulate gene expression in response to environmental and metabolic stimuli, thereby connecting systemic risk factors to cardiac dysfunction. Proteomic and post-translational modifications, such as phosphorylation, acetylation, and redox signalling, modulate protein function and contribute to contractile impairment and metabolic dysregulation. Metabolomic studies have revealed significant changes in myocardial energy metabolism, including reduced oxidative capacity, decreased metabolic flexibility, and limited bioenergetic reserves. The integration of multi-omics approaches—including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and epigenomics—has provided unprecedented insight into the biological heterogeneity of HF, facilitating the identification of distinct molecular subtypes and novel therapeutic targets. Systems biology and network-based analyses, supported by artificial intelligence and machine learning, enable the synthesis of complex datasets and enhance risk classification, prognosis, and personalised treatment approaches. This narrative review synthesises the current understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying HF, with particular emphasis on the interplay between metabolic and epigenetic regulation in disease progression. It also highlights emerging translational opportunities, including omics-based biomarkers, targeted therapies, and precision medicine approaches. Despite significant advances, challenges remain in translating these findings into clinical practice, underscoring the need for standardised methodologies, extensive validation, and integrative frameworks. Ultimately, a systems-level, multi-omics perspective is crucial for redefining HF as a biologically stratified condition in the landscape of advancing tailored cardiovascular medicine. Full article
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Article
Single-Cell Imaging of Mitochondrial Metabolism and Remodeling in C2C12 Murine Skeletal Muscle Cells upon Differentiation
by Rozhin Penjweini, Alessandra Pasut, Branden Roarke, Katie A. Link, Dan L. Sackett and Jay R. Knutson
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(11), 4689; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27114689 - 22 May 2026
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Abstract
As primary sites for oxygen consumption and energy production via oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), mitochondria play a central role in the regulation of bioenergetics and generation of key metabolic intermediates for myogenic cell growth. Common methods to study mitochondria and their metabolism typically rely [...] Read more.
As primary sites for oxygen consumption and energy production via oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), mitochondria play a central role in the regulation of bioenergetics and generation of key metabolic intermediates for myogenic cell growth. Common methods to study mitochondria and their metabolism typically rely on population-level analyses, which can mask potential differences in individual cells. In this study, we used various imaging approaches to investigate the interplay between intracellular oxygenation, mitochondrial metabolism and dynamics in a model of myogenic differentiation. Fluorescence imaging of intracellular oxygen revealed that myogenic differentiation is accompanied by progressive shifts in intracellular oxygenation that depend upon and reflect changes in mitochondrial metabolism (i.e., higher oxygen consumption and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production). By measuring intracellular oxygenation, we showed that mitochondrial metabolism reduces oxygen availability in the cytosol and the nucleus. Real-time redox imaging at the single-cell level further highlighted substantial metabolic heterogeneity and a shift toward OXPHOS as differentiation progressed. Morphological analyses revealed that during myogenic differentiation, mitochondria increase in size while becoming less mobile and overlapping less with microtubules. Overall, this study illustrates the value of combining complementary imaging approaches to provide a comprehensive single-cell perspective on mitochondrial metabolism, remodeling and spatial organization during myogenesis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of Mitochondria on Human Disease and Health)
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